Mass. man charged with scalding infant in Salem

Shawn Ward was taken into custody on warrants Saturday after a brief investigation into the abuse of the infant, according to Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten. He is being held on $15,000 cash bail pending arraignment in 10th Circuuit Court, Salem District Division, on charges of second-degree assault with bodily injury to a person under 13 and endangering the welfare of a child.

Shortly before 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, the police department was notified by Lawrence (Mass.) General Hospital that an infant with serious burns on the face, head, upper torso, and arms had been transported there by the Salem Fire Department.

"The injuries were consistent with a high-temperature liquid being poured on an infant," said Patten. "The infant was immediately transferred to Tufts Medical Center in Boston. The infant remains hospitalized."

After being notified by the hospital, Salem detectives began an investigation and determined that the mother's current boyfriend (not the biological father) had been babysitting the infant on Friday, according to Patten.

"Police have evidence of and believe the injuries caused to the baby were intentional and done by scalding hot water," stated Patten. "There was also a significant delay in seeking medical treatment."